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Home • News

Commander in Sheath

A look at the stylish life and times of Michelle Obama
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
A Mother’s Work Is Never Done

Green suits Michelle Obama well as she supports Barack on the campaign trail, this time accompanied by daughters Malia (second from left) and Sasha (second from right).

Commander in Sheath
Larry W. Smith/epa/Corbis
02
Purple Reigns

Michelle, who’s rocking a sleek, violet shift dress, stands hand-in-hand with her hubby after his historic Democratic presidential nomination last June in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her signature pearls, black patent belt and pumps (sans hosiery) complete the look.

Commander in Sheath
Jason Reed/Reuters/Corbis
03
Baubles & Brains

An Ivy League-educated attorney, Michelle gets focused, wearing a double-stranded beaded choker and white V-neck top.
Ted Soqui/ Ted Soqui Photography

Commander in Sheath
USA/Corbis
04
Working Woman

Michelle has found a way to be a working mom and wife but remain prim and polished. Here she is effortlessly chic in a soft blouse, wide belt and pencil skirt.

Commander in Sheath
Charles Ommanney/Getty Images
05
Style to Boot

The Chi-town native switches things up a bit by ditching her usual heels and pairing these tall, sleek boots with a knee-length belted trench dress.

Commander in Sheath
Rick Wilking/Reuters/Corbis
06
Just the Two of Us

Michelle sports a crisp cotton dress with a cinched waist courtesy of one of her signature funky wide belts.

Commander in Sheath
Tim Llewellyn/Corbis
07
You’re All That I Need

The beautiful and blushing bride tied the knot with her her tuxedo-clad husband, Barack (while showing off her décolletage) on October 18, 1992.

Commander in Sheath
Obama For America/Handout/Reuters
08
All Dressed Up

This jewel-encrusted necklace adds the perfect panache to Michelle’s basic black ensemble. This look carried her through the $10,000-plate Obama fundraising dinner held in her honor at Calvin Klein’s New York City home last June.

Commander in Sheath
WWD/Conde Nast/Corbis
09
(First) Lady in Waiting

Statement-making pieces like this striped, sleeveless number keep Michelle picture perfect.

Commander in Sheath
Enid Salgtado Mercado/La Fortaleza/Handout/epa/Corbis
10
Stepping in Style

A little cold weather can’t stop Michelle from keeping her fashion game on point. This long shawl-collar coat does the job just right.

Commander in Sheath
Kamil Krzacynski/epa/Corbis
11
Tangerine Dream

Embracing color is part of Michelle’s style M.O. This bold, orange shift dress nicely compliments her mocha skin.

Commander in Sheath
Stan Gilliland/epa/Corbis
12
Pretty in Pink

Michelle is extra elegant in her floral halter gown, escorted by Barack at the 36th Annual NAACP Image Awards.

Commander in Sheath
Arnold Turner/WireImage
13
Lady in Red

Sassy and sophisticated pearls like these have become an important part of Michelle’s style recipe.

Commander in Sheath
Jason Reed/Reuters/Corbis
14
Dynamic Duo

Ever conscious of her hourglass figure, Michelle highlights her assets with an exotic belt over a flirty, feminine blouse.

Commander in Sheath
Max Whittaker/Reuters/Corbis